King James Version

What Does Hebrews 10:38 Mean?

Hebrews 10:38 in the King James Version says “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.”

Hebrews 10:38 · KJV

Faith

Context

36

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

37

For yet a little while , and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

38

Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

39

But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. Continuing the Habakkuk 2:4 quotation, this verse contrasts faithful endurance with apostasy. "The just shall live by faith" (ho de dikaios ek pisteōs zēsetai, ὁ δὲ δίκαιος ἐκ πίστεως ζήσεται) became a foundational Reformation text. Ho dikaios (ὁ δίκαιος) is the righteous one, justified person. Ek pisteōs (ἐκ πίστεως) means from faith, by faith, out of faith. Faith is both the means and the sustaining principle of the righteous life.

Paul used this text to prove justification by faith alone (Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11). Hebrews emphasizes the complementary truth: genuine saving faith perseveres. The faith that justifies is the faith that endures. "Shall live" (zēsetai, ζήσεται) includes both present spiritual life and future eternal life. Faith sustains both.

"But if any man draw back" (kai ean hyposteilētai, καὶ ἐὰν ὑποστείληται) describes apostasy. Hyposteilētai means shrink back, withdraw, retreat. This is not temporary stumbling but permanent retreat from faith—the opposite of endurance. "My soul shall have no pleasure in him" (ouk eudokei hē psychē mou en autō, οὐκ εὐδοκεῖ ἡ ψυχὴ μου ἐν αὐτῷ) indicates divine displeasure. God takes no pleasure in apostasy; it invokes His wrath, not His favor.

The contrast is absolute: faith leads to life; apostasy leads to divine displeasure and judgment. There is no neutral position, no middle way. Either one perseveres in faith and lives, or one draws back and faces God's wrath.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Habakkuk's context involved Judeans tempted to compromise with Babylonian idolatry to preserve life and property. God's message: the faithful will survive by trusting God; those who compromise will perish despite temporary earthly gain. The principle applies to every generation: genuine faith perseveres through trials; false profession falls away when tested.

The Reformation made this verse central to justification theology. Luther's discovery that "the righteous shall live by faith" revolutionized his understanding of salvation. Not human works but faith in Christ's work justifies. Yet Hebrews adds the necessary complement: saving faith necessarily perseveres. The Reformers distinguished between temporary faith (James 2:19) and saving faith (which works through love, Galatians 5:6).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding that genuine saving faith necessarily perseveres affect your assurance of salvation?
  2. What is the difference between temporary struggles with doubt (which all believers experience) and permanently drawing back from faith?
  3. How can you encourage fellow believers to persevere in faith without creating paralyzing fear or false security?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ὁ1 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 16

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

δίκαιός3 of 16

“the just”

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

ἐκ4 of 16

“by”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

πίστεως5 of 16

“faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ζήσεται6 of 16

“shall live”

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

καὶ7 of 16

“but”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐὰν8 of 16

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

ὑποστείληται9 of 16

“any man draw back”

G5288

to withhold under (out of sight), i.e., (reflexively) to cower or shrink, (figuratively) to conceal (reserve)

οὐκ10 of 16

“no”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

εὐδοκεῖ11 of 16

“pleasure”

G2106

to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)

ἡ12 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ψυχή13 of 16

“soul”

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

μου14 of 16

“my”

G3450

of me

ἐν15 of 16

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτῷ16 of 16

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 10:38 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 10:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 3:11Habakkuk 2:4Romans 1:17Psalms 85:8Hebrews 6:4-6Ezekiel 3:20

Test Your Knowledge

Hebrews 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHebrews Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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